'The PCB has set a particular criterion for the coach and anyone - from Pakistan or abroad - can fulfil it and bag the post. And I assure you that the best possible decision will be taken in this regard,' he said.

By IANS, [RxPG] Lahore, April 21 - Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been entrusted by the Pakistan Cricket Board - to train upcoming fast bowlers in the country.

'Wasim has been a world-class fast bowler and I believe his training will help the national team and other pacers,' PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper Saturday.

Ashraf said that Akram offered his services to the PCB purely on voluntarily basis and would train the bowlers in two phases in Lahore - from May 15-30 and again in the month of June for which the dates have not been finalised.

When reminded of the reservations expressed by the world body over Akram in the view of Justice Qayyum's match-fixing inquiry report, the chairman said cricket's governing body had nothing to do with this assignment since it was a local activity.

The PCB chairman further said that efforts to finalise a new coach for the national team would commence from Saturday.

'Initially, we will shortlist some five or six coaches, not only from Pakistan but from abroad as well. There will be discussion on each name before finalisation of the candidate,' he explained.

Denying a press report regarding PCB approaching New Zealand's John Wright as coach, the chairman said that no one from Pakistan has spoken to the former Kiwi opener for the assignment.

He, however, said it was premature to rule out any name at this stage and added 'Javed Miandad could also be appointed as coach.'

'The PCB has set a particular criterion for the coach and anyone - from Pakistan or abroad - can fulfil it and bag the post. And I assure you that the best possible decision will be taken in this regard,' he said.

Commenting on the appointment of Shoaib Malik as skipper, the PCB chief said that the all-rounder had earned the position and was the most suitable person for the job at the moment.